Denny Hamlin championship odds are leading the conversation as the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for its climactic event at Phoenix Raceway. Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, has been positioned as the top choice among sports bettors for Sunday’s critical race, with FanDuel Sportsbook listing him at +200 to secure the checkered flag.
Joe Gibbs Racing, based in Huntersville, North Carolina, has developed a reputation for crafting winning strategies at the mile-long Phoenix oval, contributing to nine victories at the venue. Christopher Bell most recently secured a win there in March, underscoring the team’s dominance at this track. Hamlin himself is no stranger to success in Phoenix, having triumphed at the Raceway in both 2012 and 2019, and he will undoubtedly draw on this experience and the team’s comprehensive history as he chases his first career drivers’ championship.
FanDuel’s odds reflect not only Hamlin’s strengths on this particular track but also his remarkable performance throughout the 2025 season. He led the series with six victories, marking his 60th career Cup win, and recently became the 12th driver in NASCAR history to lead over 16,000 laps.
It’s @dennyhamlin and the No. 11 team against the world at @phoenixraceway. pic.twitter.com/lDGbbSQjPZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
With four previous Championship 4 appearances, finishing third in 2014 and 2021, Hamlin’s presence in the finale is a familiar one. This year, Chase Briscoe joins him as a Joe Gibbs Racing teammate in the championship chase, marking the fourth time the organization has sent multiple contenders to the Phoenix showdown. Since the playoff format changed in 2014, Joe Gibbs Racing leads all teams with 16 Championship 4 entries and five series titles, making them a significant force in NASCAR’s modern era.
Hendrick Motorsports Pursues Milestone with Gordon’s Reflection
While Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing take the headlines, Hendrick Motorsports eyes its own piece of history as it competes for a potential 15th Cup title. Jeff Gordon, now vice chairman and a four-time NASCAR champion, reflected on the journey that began with the team’s first crown in 1995—a title he personally clinched. As Sunday’s race nears, Gordon highlighted the opportunity for drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron to add to the organization’s storied legacy.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years,
Gordon said, recognizing the span since that first championship. He spoke with pride about the growth at Hendrick Motorsports, noting the collective effort at the Charlotte campus and the sense of something special building over those early years. Gordon also congratulated Byron and Larson after their strong showings at Martinsville, which secured both drivers a spot in Phoenix’s Championship 4. Byron captured a crucial win at Martinsville, and Larson advanced on points.
Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon congratulated William Byron and Kyle Larson at @MartinsvilleSwy after both qualified for the #NASCAR ‘championship 4’ race in Phoenix. Byron won at Martinsville while Larson was the highest in points. pic.twitter.com/eSrI13RKma
— Jeff Gordon Online (@JGinfo) October 26, 2025
Current Favorites for the Cup Series Title at Phoenix
FanDuel Sportsbook has released an early snapshot of the favorites for the drivers’ championship ahead of the Phoenix finale. Odds are current as published, and they reinforce Hamlin’s role as the leading contender. Joe Gibbs Racing’s track record, along with Hamlin’s own career stats at Phoenix, heavily influences the odds. Meanwhile, other notable names, such as Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and William Byron, remain in contention, reflecting the highly competitive nature of this year’s championship field.
As the drivers prepare for the season’s biggest race, the anticipation grows among fans and teams alike. The final showdown will determine not only the new champion but also add another chapter to the legacies of storied organizations such as Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. The outcome at Phoenix Raceway will shape the narrative for the next generation of Cup contenders.
It's @dennyhamlin and the No. 11 team against the world at @phoenixraceway. pic.twitter.com/lDGbbSQjPZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon congratulated William Byron and Kyle Larson at @MartinsvilleSwy after both qualified for the #NASCAR 'championship 4' race in Phoenix. Byron won at Martinsville while Larson was the highest in points. pic.twitter.com/eSrI13RKma
— Jeff Gordon Online (@JGinfo) October 26, 2025
